Kenya–Rwanda relations
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Kenya– Rwanda relations are bilateral relations between Rwanda and Kenya. Rwanda is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy.[1]
Rwanda maintains a high commission in Nairobi and Kenya in Kigali.
History
During the Rwandan genocide Kenya acted as a safe haven for those fleeing ethnic persecution. People in Rwanda have a bit of cultural similarity to Kenya because a lot of Rwandan refugees lived in Kenya during the Rwandan genocide. Rwanda, along with Kenya, is considered to be one of the world's Swahili speaking states.
Post Conflict
People in Rwanda have a bit of cultural similarity to Kenya because a lot of Rwandan refugees lived in Kenya during the Rwandan genocide. It is estimate that there are about 100,000 refugees in Kenya and other states in the African Great Lakes region. Relations between Kenya and Rwanda are good as they are both part of the EAC's coalition of the willing. Both countries have on multiple occasions signed various memoranda of understanding. These MOUs involve co-operative technical assistance and development between the two countries.[2] The Kenyan expat community in Rwanda is large.[3]
High Level Visits
President Kagame of Rwanda has on multiple occasions made state visits to Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Kigali in 2014 where some cooperation agreements were struck.
Trade
As of 2009 Kenya was the leading exporter to Rwanda.[1] Kenya is currently Rwanda's biggest trade partner.[3]
Between 2009 and 2013, the Kenya Port Authority handled about 3.5 million Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT) of both imports and exports to Rwanda, Burundi and DRC. Three quarters of the cargo went through Rwanda.[4]
FDI
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicate that Kenya is Rwanda’s top investor and trading partner. As of September 8th 2014 a total of 1,302 Kenyan companies had been registered in Rwanda, the direct employment from these firms stands at about a quarter million Rwandans.[4]
Since 2000 the RDB records state that 55 Kenyan investors have sunk roughly $400 million. Other Kenyan investors have at some point helped the Rwandan government mobilise close to $1 billion from external sources over the last 15 years.[4]
The largest Kenyan companies in Rwanda are involved in finance and retail. Some of these companies are the KCB Group, the Equity Bank Group, I&M Bank Group and Nakumatt.[4]
Infrastructure
Both countries and Uganda are working on building a standard gauge railway link that would go through Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali. Works began on the Kenyan section of the rail line in December 2014. There have been proposals to have the Mombasa-Nairobi-Kampala-Kigali expanded to a motorway all the way.
Kenya has also been involved in helping Rwanda explore its geothermal energy potential.
EAC
On July 1, 2007, Rwanda became a full member of the EAC.[5] Rwanda joined the EAC Customs Union on 6th July 2009 and since then has been a close partner in terms of customs and trade integration.
Coalition of the Willing
Which also includes South Sudan and Uganda, Is described as an entity with multiple defence trade and immigration pacts.[6] Even though it is not an official entity these states are described as the states geared towards more integration. In 2014 Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda came up with a single tourist visa which would allow tourists to visit all three countries using one visa. All three countries have also abolished work permits for citizens of the three countries.[7]
See also
References
- 1 2 Kenya, Rwanda relations stronger; envoy. Rwandan Patriotic Front. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
- ↑ Rwanda and Kenya to strengthen cooperation. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
- 1 2 Uhuru’s visit a welcome gesture as Kenya and Rwanda strengthen ties. The EastAfrican. November 1 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 Why Kenyans and their businesses are running to Rwanda. November 5, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
- ↑ Key dates in the EAC's history. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
- ↑ President Kagame to attend 8th Northern Corridor summit in Nairobi. The New Times. December 11, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
- ↑ Coalition of the willing emerges again in EAC. The Citizen. January 13 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
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